New South Wales

Australian Crop Report: March edition

Total summer crop production is forecast to increase by 61% in 2021–22 to 2.7 million tonnes, 37% above the 10-year average to 2020–21 reflecting both an increase in the area planted and above average yields. Grain sorghum yields are forecast to be a record high reflecting the excellent seasonal conditions.

The summer cropping season has been excellent. Although record high November rainfall damaged some early sown crops which had to be resown, the increased soil moisture availability was beneficial for plant establishment. Above average December rainfall followed by average January rainfall and mild temperatures, means that yield potential of summer crops is very high. The area planted to summer crops is estimated to have been 40% above the 10-year average to 2020–21.

Total winter crop production in New South Wales is forecast to fall marginally in 2021–22 to 18.8 million tonnes, 81% above the 10-year average to 2020–21 and the second highest on record. Area planted to winter crops in New South Wales was well above average reflecting the excellent start to the winter cropping season.

Significantly above average winter crop yields (second only to the record 2020–21 season) are estimated.

Seasonal conditions in New South Wales were excellent up until early spring with above average rainfall, mild temperatures, and minimal frost events all contributing to above to very much above average yield potential. However, record high November rainfall resulted in significant harvest delays and impacted grain quality. Quality downgrades to wheat were widespread as only a small proportion of the wheat crop – mainly in northern New South Wales – was harvested before the rain. Most crops in central and southern New South Wales were affected, resulting in an unprecedented amount of low protein and feed quality wheat making up the quality profile. Flooding in central west and northern New South Wales did result in total crop loss for some farms along river systems but the impact on total tonnage produced was limited.

Note: Yields are based on area planted, except cotton which is based on area harvested. Area based on planted crop that is harvested, fed off or failed. Percent changes are relative to last year.
Sources: ABARES

Note: Yields are based on area planted. Area based on planted crop that is harvested, fed off or failed. Percent changes are relative to last year.
Sources: ABARES